Yesterday's Screening and Alumni Networking

What a fabulous day. Fred Burn's film, Basically, Johnny Moped is extraordinary, a really powerful work. Head of School, Ian Parker, described it as 'documentary as poetry'. I don't want to review it here as such, but it took me on an emotional roller coaster - from humour to sorrow -a rare accomplishment for the documentary form.

It can be purchased on the website
http://basicallyjohnnymoped.com/shop
and I will be ordering it into the library collection. 

DFSA students asked Fred questions for about 45 mins after the film finished and from their reaction I gauged it was a hit with the audience.

After lunch the panel of six alumni that had joined us for the day talked about their 'life after DFSA'. Between them they had diverse and rich experience. They spoke highly of our course and how it had provided a launchpad to their careers.

Will is just back from NY where he directed the Super Bowl Pepsi commercial. He also directed the 5th series of MisFits and has a feature in development with the BFI. Rebecca works as project co-ordinator in telecoms and talked about transferable skills from the course. Dagmar is a DoP and has worked on three feature films whilst running her own production company. She explained how she enjoys other aspects of film production rather than just specialising in camera/lighting. Lawrence is a voice actor, has an internet production company and is very knowledgable about online production. Kieran graduated last year. He gave a poignant presentation that described how his Y2 experimental film about bullying had been shown at festivals. He told us about his ongoing creative activities and search for work.

There was a Q&A that lasted over an hour and then many students stayed back until 5pm to speak to individual alumni, some following us into the SU when we retired for coffee until after 6pm.

The DFSA team agreed this was a successful day that we are keen to build upon.

Pictures and film to follow soon.